Former Todd Bowles colleague praises Bucs and him for treading water atop the NFC South.
_Four more years! Four more years!_
Joe has heard a few of those chants today, as well as some collective groans.
Regardless, the Bill Parcells coaching tree is having a happy day.
Yes, Todd Bowles got a multiyear contract extension along with Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht, the Bucs announced today. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says Bowles is signed through 2028. His pay grade has not been reported.
Bowles has a lot of fan support, rightfully so, but there remains a large faction skeptical of his ability to take the Bucs to a higher level.
Former Bowles colleague Todd Haley applauded his “good friend” today on SiriusXM NFL Radio. They coached together under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Parcells with the Cowboys and Jets.
Haley said the Bucs are very smart to appreciate how Bowles has done a very good job and recognize how difficult it was to transition from the Tom Brady era. Haley emphasized Bowles has been “very good” but “not great” and a thriving tandem of a GM and head coach is always something that should be supported.
> “I’m impressed with what’s gone on,” Haley said, adding he doesn’t think the Bucs are “a true contender” in 2025. He added that he thinks the Bucs have “tread water” atop the NFC South but seem primed to improve.
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> “That’s not a bad situation to be in,” Haley continued. “Especially understanding that you went from having Tom Brady and winning a Super Bowl to transitioning into Baker Mayfield. You know, that’s not a bad thing. They’re doing what they have to — to be competitive. And it’s very hard.”
For those wondering, Haley said he suspects Bowles is somewhat underrated because he coaches in Tampa. Joe’s not sure what that means, but Joe knows Haley has lived in the Bay area recently and still may. He also keeps close tabs on the Bucs and was Mayfield’s rookie offensive coordinator in Cleveland.